Borussia Dortmund would like to extend the contracts of Dan-Axel Zagadou and Manuel Akanji

Borussia Dortmund are convinced of the potential of both Dan-Axel Zagadou and Manuel Akanji, and would, in principle, like to extend their contracts. This is being reported by Ruhr Nachrichten, who add that the decisive contract talks have not yet taken place with the two central defenders. Both Akanji and Zagadou have just over one year left on their contracts.

The newspaper also adds that Borussia Dortmund want to avoid losing them on free transfers in 2022. So if Zagadou and Akanji fail to agree to contract extensions, they could be allowed to leave in the summer. Both defenders are valued at over 20 million euros by the BVB bosses.

Zagadou, who has been ruled out until the end of the season after undergoing a knee surgery, has been limited to just 35 appearances over the last two seasons. But the Black and Yellows are confident that the Frenchman can put his injury woes behind him in the coming years. At the moment, it remains to be seen when he will be able to return to training.

Manuel Akanji has made a total of 29 appearances so far this season and has largely been a solid presence in defence.

Following the signing of Soumaila Coulibaly from PSG, Borussia Dortmund will have five specialist centre-backs in their ranks going into the new season. Although the future of Leonardo Balerdi (who is currently on loan at Marseille) remains uncertain. And with Coulibaly and Zagadou both dealing with long-term injuries, it is possible that another new centre-back may arrive in the summer transfer window.